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The former Oldham defender - who admitted that he was also a qualified referee during speaking to the media - also revealed that City are still short of fielding several of their attackers.

"We're still missing the three forwards," confirmed Holden. "Matty [Taylor], Milan [Djuric] and Arnie [Garita] - although Arnie was back on the grass this morning for the first time so that's very, very pleasing."

"Joe Bryan's had not a recurring injury but more of a knock on the same ankle. We'll see how Joe is but he's probably 50/50 at this time for tomorrow."

The time frame for senior strikers Taylor and Djuric to return is a little unclear currently.

Bristol City fans at Birmingham City (Image: Robbie Stephenson/JMP)

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"It's difficult because, having been there myself, they're still in the early stages of rehabilitation. Doing bits on the grass, doing bits in the gym, they're around the players every day. They're two fantastic characters but we do miss them out on the pitch.

"I think the most important thing when they do come [back] out on the pitch is that they stay. They don't want a recurrence and to go back to the treatment room. It might take a bit longer but we're comfortable with that.

"We want them there but we want them there to stay. So if we have to wait a bit longer that's fine," explained the 37-year-old.